ARTICLE>> Fighting Flu
by Jason Easter, Health Promotion Officer

Coughs, colds and sniffles are usual for this time of year. Generally, they are short-lived and cause no lasting harm. Also six out of seven people with symptoms have a cold, not flu.
For most people, flu is a nasty but brief illness. The best treatment is to rest and treat yourself at home. However, if you are in a 'high-risk' group of people, flu can be dangerous and it is strongly advised that you get a flu jab to prevent it.

Flu Facts
Flu is caused by the influenza virus and mostly infects the top part of the breathing system - the nose, throat, sinuses and the main breathing tubes (bronchi) leading to the lungs. It spreads easily from person to person through the air - when someone nearby breathes in the tiny droplets of a sneeze or cough.
Once the virus has got into your breathing system, it multiplies and within a few days many millions more will have been produced. The infection can then be spread to other people.
Natural defences

Flu makes you feel ill for a few days, but thanks to the natural defences of your immune system you are usually able to fight off the infection. Your body does this by producing special proteins (antibodies) that circulate in the blood to stop the virus from multiplying. This is the beginning of your recovery.
The worst symptoms of the flu are usually over within a few days, though some people feel weak for longer. Most people with the flu get better without needing to see their GP.

Is it the flu?
There is no quick and 100% reliable way of deciding whether you have flu, or another infection that causes similar symptoms. GPs usually have to make a judgement based on your symptoms.
To get a firm diagnosis, a doctor would have to take a swab from your nose or throat and send it off to a laboratory for testing. This can take several days - by which time you would probably be feeling better anyway.

Treating the flu at home
The best advice is to:

SEE THE DOCTOR EARLY IF YOU ARE ON STEROIDS:
The same applies to people who have certain cancers or have had their spleen removed.

BE VIGILANT ABOUT BABIES AND OLD PEOPLE:
If your baby or elderly relative is not well, do take them to a doctor in good time, because more serious conditions can often be masked by mild symptoms in them.

How flu can be prevented
The best way to prevent influenza and flu-like illness is by maintaining a healthy lifestyle - good food, plenty of exercise and avoidance of smoking.
Vaccination exists, but is reserved for certain groups of patients at particularly high risk from an attack of influenza.
Patients already suffering from:

The flu vaccine will be available as from the 1st October at the Primary Care Centre, Monday to Friday between 2pm and 4pm. The vaccines will be administered at the phlebotomy (blood) clinic next to the sisters office. Individuals who have previously received the vaccine may attend without prior appointment. Individuals who have not previously been vaccinated should make an appointment with their G.P. who will then refer to the vaccination clinic. This programme will continue through October and November. For further details contact the Primary Care Centre on 72110 or 52449

Why shouldn't everyone have a flu vaccine?
Healthy people don't need to be vaccinated - flu is a nuisance but not usually serious for them, and the occasional bout of flu gives better long-term protection than a flu vaccination.

How effective is the vaccine?
Flu vaccinations are pretty effective. Most people who have been vaccinated will not get the kinds of flu from which the vaccine was made (prediction of which strains need to be in the vaccine each year is advancing). If you do catch flu, it is likely to be milder than if you had not been vaccinated.

Does the vaccine have side effects?
Flu vaccinations are very safe. You may get some soreness where the vaccine was injected. Less often, people experience a slight temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days after being vaccinated. Other reactions are very rare indeed.